10formylFH4

10formyltetrahydrofolate, often abbreviated as 10-formyl-FH4 or fTHF, is a crucial derivative of tetrahydrofolate (FH4) in biological systems. Tetrahydrofolate itself is a coenzyme derived from vitamin B9, also known as folate. 10-formyltetrahydrofolate plays a significant role in one-carbon metabolism, a complex network of biochemical reactions essential for various cellular processes.

Specifically, 10-formyltetrahydrofolate is a donor of one-carbon units in the synthesis of purines and thymidylate. Purines are fundamental building blocks for DNA and RNA, while thymidylate is a key component of DNA. Therefore, the availability and metabolism of 10-formyltetrahydrofolate are directly linked to cell growth, proliferation, and DNA replication.

The interconversion between different folate derivatives, including 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, is catalyzed by specific enzymes. For instance, serine hydroxymethyltransferase can convert tetrahydrofolate and serine into 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate, which can then be further processed. The formyl group on 10-formyltetrahydrofolate is transferred to other molecules through dedicated enzymatic pathways.

Disruptions in folate metabolism, including the pathways involving 10-formyltetrahydrofolate, can have significant health consequences, contributing to conditions such as megaloblastic anemia and potentially impacting cancer development. Folate antagonists, drugs that interfere with folate metabolism, are often used in chemotherapy to inhibit the rapid proliferation of cancer cells.